Overview

England's economy between 1050 and 1550 mirrored that of much of continental Europe in its growing dependence upon trade over both short distances and long. The essays in this collection are the fruit of forty years of research into the complex and interrelated issues involved. Describing this change can be achieved in part through quantitative indices, such as the number and size of towns, markets and fairs, and the volume of monetary circulation. A full account also requires a discussion of widespread changes of work experience, customary practices and moral values as households became more dependent upon markets. In addition, the evidence of transformative commercial growth in the medieval period gives rise to numerous questions concerning its relationship to more modern times. Modern economic growth and modern capitalism have often been contrasted starkly with medieval economic stagnation and traditionalism, but recent research implies a more continuous process of economic development than that implied by these older stereotypes. Many of the items in this collection are also relevant to this more discursive aspect of medieval commercialisation.

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9780754659839

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Reviews

’Medieval historians owe a debt to Ashgate for their Variorum Collected Studies series, which has made conveniently available so many valuable essays widely scattered in their original published forms. ... this volume is a most welcome addition to the series.’ English Historical Review ’Britnell is one of the most eminent scholars in the field of medieval English commercial history of the past 30 years... This collection of Britnell’s articles serves to highlight his high standards of scholarship and his pervading influence.’ Economic History Review

'Medieval historians owe a debt to Ashgate for their Variorum Collected Studies series, which has made conveniently available so many valuable essays widely scattered in their original published forms. ... this volume is a most welcome addition to the series.' English Historical Review 'Britnell is one of the most eminent scholars in the field of medieval English commercial history of the past 30 years... This collection of Britnell's articles serves to highlight his high standards of scholarship and his pervading influence.' Economic History Review

'Medieval historians owe a debt to Ashgate for their Variorum Collected Studies series, which has made conveniently available so many valuable essays widely scattered in their original published forms. ... this volume is a most welcome addition to the series.' English Historical Review 'Britnell is one of the most eminent scholars in the field of medieval English commercial history of the past 30 years... This collection of Britnell's articles serves to highlight his high standards of scholarship and his pervading influence.' Economic History Review

Author Information

Richard Britnell was emeritus Professor of History at the University of Durham and a Fellow of the British Academy, UK

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